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Medical Physics

MSc (NFQ Level 9)

This course is available through the following application route(s)

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Medical Physics is the branch of Physics that applies the concepts and principles of physics to the diagnosis and treatment of human disease. The MSc in Medical Physics is designed for students who wish to pursue a career in Medical Physics, either in a clinical environment or in research.

The programme, which is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Medical Physics Education Programmes (CAMPEP), provides a strong foundation in diagnostic imaging physics, nuclear medicine, radiation oncology physics and radiation protection, as well as the essential anatomy and physiology knowledge required to understand a patient’s anatomical structure and physiological processes.

  • The programme provides a strong foundation in diagnostic imaging physics, nuclear medicine, radiation oncology physics and radiation protection, as well as the essential anatomy and physiology knowledge required to understand a patient’s anatomical structure and physiological processes.

About This Course

The programme provides an accepted route to enter a career in Medical Physics. It is also a stepping stone to PhD research in areas such as diagnostic imaging, radiation oncology physics, nuclear medicine, radiation protection and radiobiology. CAMPEP accreditation allows graduates to apply for CAMPEP residency programmes in Ireland and internationally.

Prospective employers include Medical Physics Departments in hospitals and clinicals across Ireland and abroad, medical device manufacturers and regulatory bodies.

Below is a list of all modules offered for this degree in the current academic year. Click on the module to discover what you will learn in the module, how you will learn and assessment feedback profile amongst other information.

Incoming Stage 1 undergraduates can usually select an Elective in the Spring Trimester. Most continuing undergraduate students can select up to two Elective modules (10 Credits) per stage. There is also the possibility to take up to 10 extra Elective credits.

Module Type Module   Trimester Credits
Stage 1 Core Modules
 ANAT20090 Med. Sciences for Biomed.Engin Autumn  5
Stage 1 Core Modules
 PHYC40980 Radiological Physics Autumn  5
Stage 1 Core Modules
 PHYC40990 Detectors and Dosimetry Autumn  5
Stage 1 Core Modules
 PHYC41000 Medical Imaging Physics I Autumn  5
Stage 1 Core Modules
 PHYC41010 Radiation Oncology Physics I Autumn  5
Stage 1 Core Modules
 PHYC41080 Physics Data Analysis (Python) Autumn  5
Stage 1 Core Modules
 COMP47670 Data Science in Python (MD) Autumn and Spring (separate)  5
Stage 1 Core Modules
 PHYC41020 Radiation Protection & Safety Spring  5
Stage 1 Core Modules
 PHYC41030 Medical Imaging Physics II Spring  5
Stage 1 Core Modules
 PHYC41040 Radiation Oncology Physics II Spring  5
Stage 1 Core Modules
 PHYC41050 Radiobiology & Ethics Spring  5
Stage 1 Core Modules
 RDGY41720 Advanced Cross Sectional Anatomy Spring  5
Stage 1 Core Modules
 PHYC41060 Medical Physics Research Proj. Summer  30

The programme is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Medical Physics Education Programmes (CAMPEP).


Sarah Meaney, Medical Physicist, St Vincent’s University Hospital
UCD’s CAMPEP accredited MSc in Medical Physics provided me with excellent knowledge and skills to launch my career in the medical physics field. The programme is mainly taught by clinical scientists. Medical physics allows you to bring a human aspect to being a scientist. A trimester of clinical research helped me to become familiar with the clinical environment and the day-to-day requirements, complementing the knowledge gained in the classroom. I believe this course is truly a fantastic stepping stone into a rewarding career helping others through physics applications.

Medical Physics (T342) Full Time
EU          fee per year - € 10460
nonEU    fee per year - € 29100

MSc Medical Physics (T343) Part Time
EU          fee per year - € 5160
nonEU    fee per year - € 14550

***Fees are subject to change

Tuition fee information is available on the UCD Fees website. Please note that UCD offers a number of graduate scholarships for full-time, self-funding international students, holding an offer of a place on a UCD graduate degree programme. For further information please visit International Scholarships.

Places will be offered to candidates with a strong foundation in basic physics, as demonstrated by the achievement of an undergraduate or graduate degree in Physics or a degree in an Engineering discipline with a coursework component equivalent to a minor in physics. A minimum of an upper second-class honours or equivalent will be normally required for entry, although students with a strong physics background and lower second class honours degree may be accepted.

Students who do not have English as their first language should meet UCD requirements for English Language.

You may be eligible for Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL), as UCD recognises formal, informal, and/or experiential learning. RPL may be awarded to gain Admission and/or credit exemptions on a programme. Please visit the UCD Registry RPL web page for further information.

Full Time option suitable for:

Domestic(EEA) applicants: Yes
International (Non EU) applicants: Yes

Part Time option suitable for:

Domestic(EEA) applicants: Yes
International (Non EEA) applicants: No


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General application route(s) for Irish/UK/EU applicants* for International (non-EU) applicants* to Medical Physics:

ROWCLASS Apply to   Application Type  
showAudience-audienceEU showAudience-audienceInt T342
Medical Physics
Master of Science
Full-Time
Commencing September 2024
 Graduate Taught Closed
showAudience-audienceEU showAudience-audienceInt T343
Medical Physics
Master of Science
Part-Time
Commencing September 2024
 Graduate Taught Not available to International applicantsClosed
showAudience-audienceEU showAudience-audienceInt T342
Medical Physics
Master of Science
Full-Time
Commencing September 2025
 Graduate Taught Apply
showAudience-audienceEU showAudience-audienceInt T343
Medical Physics
Master of Science
Part-Time
Commencing September 2025
 Graduate Taught Not available to International applicantsApply
* you can change options at the top of the page
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